Family-Friendly

There is no shortage of activities for the whole family in Goshen!

Take a bike ride with your loved ones to savor everyone’s favorite summer treat, ice cream. Take a relaxed ride along one of the many bike paths through Goshen’s parks or along the Millrace Canal. Goshen has its own Maple City Greenway with over 20 miles of pedestrian/bike trails, including a trail to the city of Elkhart as well as the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail, which connects Goshen to Middlebury and Shipshewana.

Goshen has been designated as a bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Along with more than 30 miles of trails within the city, Goshen boasts more than 500 acres of land overseen by the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department, including almost 35 square miles of classified forest. That means there is always an easy nature retreat nearby for walking, biking, running, or picnicking. If you require bike repairs, accessories or want to purchase a new bicycle, there is a cycling shop conveniently located near downtown.

Grab the kids and head to one of the many playgrounds in Goshen parks throughout town or venture out to the swimming pools at Shanklin Park. Stop by Fidler Pond on the east side of town to kayak or canoe, or enjoy a stroll and picnic at the picturesque edge of the crystal blue pond. The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes and activities for adults and children alike. Choose from a wide variety of options from scuba to gardening classes, or sports and art camps for children or ballroom dance classes and co-ed volleyball for adults. During the winter months, rent inner tubes or cross-country skis to enjoy the fresh air with your whole family.

If it is family fun you are looking for, join in the festivities at area orchards with “u-pick” strawberries, blueberries, or apples. Several farms offer free fall hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin patches to enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures, time spent with those you love.

Do not miss First Friday’s activities on the first Friday of each month in downtown Goshen. Events change from month to month but often include concerts, children’s activities, discounts and specials in stores and restaurants, along with entertainment and plenty of friends and neighbors to chat with downtown.